9 minutes. One urban legend. Sleep will never feel safe again.
The film tells about a part of a famous urban legend, which is believed to be based on true events. A strange character walking around the empty streets was terrifying locals in 70s-80s of the last century. Rumors of alleged sightings began spreading around the Nagasaki prefecture, then spread throughout Japan and caused panic in many towns.
Direction
Absento stretches 9 minutes into eternity through negative space.
Sound
Silence weaponized—every footstep becomes existential dread.
Practical Effects
Zero CGI, maximum authenticity to the original legend.
Director
Pablo Absento
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The 'Kuchisake-onna' (Slit-Mouthed Woman) legend peaked in 1979 Japan, causing police patrols and school escorts nationwide.
Director Pablo Absento shot this in actual Nagasaki locations matching 1979 police reports, using period-accurate street lighting.
JP
